U.S. President Joe Biden told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday that he will stand up for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity ahead of a summit between Biden and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
National security advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters the two leaders spoke about the bilateral relationship in a phone call prior to Biden's trip to Europe.
"They had the opportunity to talk at some length about all of the issues in U.S.-Ukraine relationship and President Biden was able to tell President Zelensky that he will stand up firmly for Ukraine sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its aspirations as we go forward," Reuters cited Sullivan as saying.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Biden will meet in Geneva on June 16 amid sharp disagreements over election interference, human rights and Ukraine.
